2026 Community Trends Report: A Potomac Analysis

The January 2026 Community Trends Report has officially landed, offering a rare look into the DNA of our neighborhood. While much of the county is rushing into a more urbanized future, Potomac is leaning into its reputation as a stable, highly educated enclave—though the data suggests we are seeing some significant shifts behind the scenes.

Here is what you need to know about the current state of 20854.

1. The "Smartest" Town in the County?

• Intellectual Powerhouse: Potomac remains one of the most educated areas in the region. A staggering 55% of adults aged 25 and over hold a graduate or professional degree.

2. Demographic Shifts: Wisdom Over Youth

Our population has held steady at 44,493, but the age of your average neighbor is changing:

• The Silver Surge: The 65+ population is our fastest-growing demographic, increasing by 33% since 2010.
• The "Missing" Middle: Conversely, the population of adults aged 35 to 64—the traditional "working-age" core—actually declined by 11%.
• A Global Community: We are becoming more diverse; since 2010, the Asian population grew by 30%, and the Hispanic population surged by 54%.

3. The Economic Reality Check

• The Inflation Gap: While Potomac remains a bastion of wealth, our average income grew by only 19% since 2010. Because regional inflation hit 29% during that same period, the average Potomac paycheck is effectively doing less "heavy lifting" than it was a decade ago.
• The Zoom Room: Remote work is here to stay; 28% of us now work from home, a nearly threefold increase from 2016.

4. Real Estate: Still the "Million-Dollar" Club

• Property Values: Potomac remains one of only five communities in the entire county where average home values surpass $1 million.
• The Detached Dream: We remain a single-family stronghold, with 73% of our housing stock consisting of detached homes and a stable homeownership rate of 88%.
• New Additions: Change is coming in small doses; of the approximately 800 new units built since 2010, nearly half were multi-family developments, such as The Rae Apartments.

The Bottom Line: Potomac is a community of high achievers who are increasingly working from home and planning for a long, comfortable retirement. While our income growth has been modest compared to the county's skyrocketing inflation, our stability and high property values remain the envy of the region. We may be "aging," but with 55% of us holding advanced degrees, we’re doing it more thoughtfully than most.